34 Days Laterrrrrr

This past weekend I was blessed to attend the UCM Emerge conference held in Hope BC. I was super undecided the week before it was supposed to take place, because I felt really guilty spending money when I'm already planning a big Europe trip in May. Oh, did I mention.. I'm planning on going to Europe in May with Rebecca! It's going to be epic. And fun. And I really want to be able to bless people as we travel, and just be absolutely transparent when it comes to our faith, so everyone we meet and interact with will know that we are set apart for a higher purpose so they will desire that same purpose with all their hearts and be drawn to seek out Jesus as their Saviour. AMEN! 

Back to Emerge. I met some awesome people, for sure. And had some crazy midnight snowball fight madness. YEP. IT HAPPENED. That mostly means I got soaked, laughed a lot, and was laughed at for my lack of skill when throwing snow. So did Jordan though. The next day, when we were meeting new people, we were actually referred to as, "The girls who couldn't throw." True story. We throw like girls. Like pansy LITTLE girls, not like major league baseball girls (if there is such a thing.) Extending your network of friends and family of Christ is such an important thing as a Christian. Fellowship has so many purposes, the foremost being to encourage others, and likewise to be encouraged. I'm never sure how much of an impact I have on others when meeting, I really hope that I am encouraging, buuuuut who knows. I'm an inherently selfish being, there are lots of things I need to work on. One thing I do know is how encouraged I was this weekend! That's sweet fellowship for ya.

There was also a huge concept that was brought to my attention that I would like to share! Our speaker's name was Joyce Somethingorother (I think that's right) and she did a terrific job. She spoke over the weekend about rest and work in Christ. Joyce explained to us the importance of taking your Sabbath seriously, managing your time wisely, and working hard. She pointed out that many people claim that "Because of Jesus, the law isn't as important anymore." If that's the case, then how about that little 6th commandment, "DON'T KILL OTHER PEOPLE, YO." There is a REASON God wanted a day of rest to be in the ten commandments. It wouldn't be there if it didn't matter. If I took one thing away from this weekend, it's to take notice of what I'm doing with my time, and to be intentional about how I spend my Sabbath. The 24 hour period of my choosing, that will consist solely of things which add to my appreciation and enjoyment of our Creator, moments which remind me to be thankful of the life given to me by my Saviour, and the time to reflect and listen to what the Holy Spirit is telling me. 

Also: Here's a shout out to everyone from the UCM Emerge weekend who may or may not read this. Thanks for making the weekend an awesome one! Or.. Should I say crisp? </endinsidejoke>

Also also: My bad for not posting in over a month. Don't hate. It just happens sometimes..

It's dark out at 5:16.

VENTING TIIIME!


Okay, not really venting. But right now I'm so super duper frustrated with myself that it's ridiculous. I talked to an education advisor today, and left feeling pretty good. Until I got to thinking.... I still don't know what I'm doing. That's not such a problem in itself, but I would really really like a long-term goal to work towards. Like becoming a doctor for instance. Seriously, I want to be a doctor so badly. But but BUT the road is long and the sacrifices are many. Do I want to give up the next thirteen years of my life so I can be settled in with a career from then until death do us part? Uhhh. I don't know. I really don't. And I can't just float around in university, without a purpose. I need to either get in a program, know what I want, or.. Quit for a while. And I don't want to quit school. So should I just give 'er and get my BSc in Biology? Orrrrrr do I actually want to go a completely separate route and get my BSc in Kinesiology? Physiotherapist, anyone? SURE. At this moment I'm leaning towards Biology. Then comes the whole "getting into med school" business. That's a piece of work in itself. They look at your marks from first year on, as well as whatever extracurricular activities you get involved in.. Because Biology majors have so much spare time on their hands? I would definitely have to do that degree in five years instead of four. Plus the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) that needs doing after your degree, which you have to do quite well on to get into med school... So then you do your four years of med school madness, and get to become a resident. Yayyy! Let's work 80 hour weeks and still have a social life! Oh waaaaait, that's not right, is it?


I seem bitter about this. I'm really not, I'm just being realistic. By next year I need to decide if I'm gonna just go for it, or do something else, or wait. Because decisions need to be made! Tough ones, suuuuure. But I'm not the only one to have gone through it. And I know that if I make it into med school and come out alive on the other side, I won't regret a minute of it. Then I can go to Africa with Doctors Without Borders! Yeah! Sweet.


Right now I should focus on this year. I have exams to do (thaaaat I should be studying for) and a new semester to go into. It's the time for improving studying habits! I will do better next semester than I did this time around. Above 90 or bust. Hopefully. Keep me accountable, people!


In more exciting, less stressful news... I'm going home on Saturday! Wheeee! That means going DIRTBIKING! And seeing my faaaaam jam (minus my dear brother.) And going to North Beaaaaaach, and also probably working with my dad. Interesting.. And eating delicious FOOD! Oh my word, I won't be eating sandwiches and crackers every day for two whole weeks. That is unbelievable. Of course, I will also be sitting in the basement at the Zimmerman's house: drinking tea, playing video games, sitting around. Sigh. Bringin' back the good ol' times. So stoked!


But for now, I study. Or.. iStudy. Hah. "There's an app for that!"


Seriously though. Home. Countdown, suckaaaaaaszszzszz.

First snow?

Life gets chaotic sometimes. Ups and downs and ups and downs and waaayyy ups and waaaay downs. I've been having an interesting time of it all, what with my mum having lymphoma and starting chemo (she's still in Vancouver for another couple weeks) and my brother being all gone away to Switzerland (again) and my dad working like crazy because it's necessary (as usual.) You'd think I'd be used to it by now. I suppose I have my ways of dealing with not having my family around. It normally doesn't bother me that they're far away, but when you face trials, there's comfort to be found in family. But praise the Lord for giving me His family to lean on! So many people around here take care of me, because they all know I can't cook..


I still have mixed feelings about everything, of course. Life is kinda weird like that. Sometimes I really feel like a lost little girl. Or maybe indifferent is the right word. Uncaring. Caught in a neutral mindset. But then it snows, and I am filled with rage, and all is well again. 'Cause a little emotion helps the day go by.


If you were reading this while I was in Tanzania, then this will seem familiar... I love getting mail!! So I shall discreetly slip my address into this here blog, in hopes of someday receiving a letter from YOU! Yes, you.


Kirsten Hitchcock
# 3208
4 University Crescent
Nanaimo, BC
V9R 6C5


And thank you to everyone who has been praying for my family. It's sweet. And it's appreciated. Much love to all y'all!